New York's Covina restaurant has a very casual vibe – a relaxed but nice atmosphere. Covina has a U-shaped bar, colourful banquette seating, and an open kitchen with a copper tiled pizza oven. Everything coming out of the kitchen is rather good, some of it even quite creative. The menu is a playful mix of a Cal- Med dishes.

Look for the Chase Bank on the corner and Bergen Hill is in the same building off a side street. It's a great neighbourhood spot. I haven't seen this kind of creativity and execution from a kitchen in a long time.

This is truly a foodie experience. Everything is well executed. Not only is it a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the food is adventurous and creative, and the servers are professional and attentive. They really catered to us and made us feel special.

The new Dizengoff location in Chelsea Market, New York, is one of the most exciting new restaurant openings this year. I tried a few extra toppings that they were kind enough to bring out for me from the back and they were fabulous and added another dimension to the hummus.

You can't win them all, and sadly, Chef Laurent Tourondel's newest restaurant in New York was a big disappointment for me. This is actually the second restaurant by the celebrated Chef that did not live up to expectations. The other was now the closed Market Restaurant.

Everything in the shop is made in house – you can view the kitchen through a glass window and see the work first hand. I was told it is a three-day process to make the bonbons. They are the most beautifully hand-painted chocolates I have ever seen. They are almost too pretty to eat ... notice I said, "almost" ...

As you may know by now, I am always looking for new, unique discoveries – especially the delicious kind. Well, I believe I found another to share with you. Let me introduce you to Seed & Mill in the Chelsea Market.

The restaurant has a nice ambience with dark green leather banquettes, navy lacquered painted ceilings, and copper shelves stocked with backlit wine bottles and jars of preserved lemons. The menu is large with lots of choices. It is divided into pizza, one: small plates, two: pastas, three: mains, and vegetables.

Family-owned and operated Parrin Paris also has boutiques in Los Angeles, New York and Hong Kong. The bags are very fashion forward and structured, elegant and ladylike, perfect for the modern woman who appreciates high style and craftsmanship. Tres chic.

This may be a Jewish inspired restaurant but you don't have to be Jewish to enjoy it, as witnessed by the crowds lining up to get in on the weekend. Make sure you reserve well in advance as this is probably one of the hottest brunch tickets in New York right now. It has a trendy vibe, with a young handsome crowd and solid food offerings.

It is Scott Conant's pastas that remind you of why he became famous in the first place. His Pasta Pomodoro is a signature dish. Such simple ingredients but it is the best tomato pasta you might ever have.

If you are looking for a real indulgent treat, look no further than the Rice Cream Shoppe in NYC. It's a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and a great concept. The cookies and cream, the rocky road and the chocolate hazelnut are all recommend 😋. I found the texture thick and very creamy but not too sweet.

I am a huge Mario Batali fan and I was very excited to try his new venture with his partner Joe Bastianich. I loved the menu.
There has been lots of buzz about this mighty duo, and for good reason. They are already packing them in here – I can't wait to return.

I was a little nervous to try Vaucluse because Pete Wells slammed it in his review in the New York Times. But, I am a Michael White fan. The menu was a mix of traditional and contemporary takes on French cuisine. There were dishes like chilled seafood, pates, beef tartare, foie gras, chicken, duck, pork and lobster dishes. He also has daily specials and things like quiche on his lunch menu.

Everyone greets you with a friendly hello. The Surrey is situated in a beautiful and refined uptown location. It is across from the Carlye hotel and among many elegant shops, and galleries and museums. The hotel boasts a Daniel Boulud restaurant, and the as you can imagine, the food is wonderful.

One of the hardest tables to book in New York last year was the Polo Bar on 1 East 55th st.
We were happy to grab a 10:30 pm reservation, which worked out perfectly after our Broadway play. As you descend down the stairs into the dining room everyone turns to see who is entering this " clubby" restaurant.

The beautiful new Baccarat Hotel opened in New York this year near the MOMA on 30 West 53rd.
I highly recommend you try the bar with its Baccarat crystal chandeliers, decanters and glassware. It is a good place to go for drinks before or after dinner.

One block from Barney's and the shops on Madison Ave. and 2 1/2 blocks from Bloomingdale's. Close to some wonderful restaurants as well. The newly renovated hotel looks great, with some of the largest bedrooms in New York.